This Policy Brief analyses spoilers in peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and how to manage them. It posits that managing spoilers in a hybrid conflict requires a comprehensive, tailored, and sensitive approach. Spoilers pose the biggest threat to peace efforts in the DRC and adequate spoiler management is paramount in creating sustainable peace in the volatile country. A correct diagnosis of each spoiler, a clear understanding of the spoilers’ tactics, funding, and motivations, and a proper balance between including and excluding certain spoilers are among the steps that peace negotiators in the DRC should take to foster a more sustainable peace.
